TikTok's affiliate program, like many other affiliate marketing initiatives, revolves around promoting products or services in exchange for a commission on sales. Here's a detailed breakdown of how it works:

1. Eligibility and Setup: To become a TikTok Shop affiliate, you need at least 1,000 followers and must be at least 18 years old. The first step is to find products you want to market through the TikTok Shop, then get permission to sell these products by applying to be an affiliate for the chosen store. Once approved, you add your contact information, select products that resonate with your audience for your showcase, and potentially receive samples to feature in your TikTok content​

2. Commission Rates: The commission rates in the TikTok affiliate program vary as each TikTok Shop seller sets their own rates. While there's no standardized rate, most affiliate marketing programs on platforms similar to TikTok offer commissions ranging from 5% to 30% on sales

3. Promotion and Earning: As an affiliate, you can promote TikTok for Business by driving new users to the platform. This is done through unique affiliate links created in your Impact account, which tracks conversions and attributes them to you. You have the flexibility to promote these links through text, images, or videos on various platforms like TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or your own website. Creative assets for promotion are available through the program, and you can reach out for additional resources if needed​

4. Performance Monitoring and Payment: You can actively monitor your performance and review commissions earned through your Impact Publisher account. Commissionable conversions are captured in real-time. An important aspect to note is that commissionable actions lock 15 days after being tracked, and actions are approved 15 days after they lock, ensuring prompt payment processing​.

5. Affiliate Marketing Dynamics on TikTok: In TikTok's affiliate marketing, there are typically three parties involved: the Product Creator or Merchant, the Affiliate Network (optional), and the Affiliate Marketer. The affiliate marketer, in this case, promotes products in their TikTok videos and earns commissions from sales made through a unique code or link. The consumer, who is often a viewer of the affiliate marketer's TikTok videos, purchases these products, completing the transaction cycle

In summary, TikTok's affiliate program offers a way for influencers and content creators to monetize their audience by promoting products or services. The program's flexibility in promotion methods and varying commission rates provide a range of opportunities for participants to earn income through their TikTok presence.